Teacher sentenced in student kiss case

DOVER — The former Somersworth High School math teacher who reportedly kissed a female student in January has been sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Paul Blanc, 41, of Milton, pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor simple assault Wednesday morning in Dover District Court. Judge Stephen Morrison sentenced him to 12 months in the Strafford County House of Corrections, with all but one month suspended.

“This is a difficult case,” said Portsmouth attorney Alan Cronheim, who represented Blanc. “Paul chose to address it promptly and has done that.”

Blanc was accused of hugging a 15-year-old sophomore and kissing her neck and hand on Jan. 27. The incident occurred at the high school. He resigned a few days after the incident and was charged in February.

“I'm glad on behalf of the family that it could be wrapped up relatively quickly and that the offender took responsibility for his actions,” Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi said. “I hope this will go a long way toward protecting kids in school from bad acts by teachers.”

Under state law, offenders must serve at least two-thirds of their sentence. That means Blanc will serve at least 20 days in jail.

The plea agreement requires Blanc to undergo counseling for up to two years and remain on good behavior for two years. He's also prohibited from having any contact with the victim or her family.

He'll be on probation for two years once he's released from the county jail.